grapevine The Parish of September/October 2019 St. Helen’s, Sandal • St. Paul’s, Walton

Autumn Festivities 29th September Sandal Scarecrow Festival opens, 11am St Helen’s Church Come and collect your maps and enjoy refreshments and a warm welcome. Hade Edge Brass Band Concert 7pm, St Helen’s Church Tickets £10 (under 14’s free) on sale at The Spring or St Helen’s In aid of Star Bereavement Support Service 30th September Joint Parish Harvest Festival Service of Holy Communion 11am, St Helen’s Lunch at Sandal Cricket Club; bring a picnic or enjoy the food served there.

6th October Joint Harvest Festival Service with St Paul’s at the Methodist Church, Walton, 10.45am

12th October 3-5pm, Opening of the refurbished Portobello Community Centre 20, Portobello Road, WF2 7JJ

1 Contents Humility comes before Honour ...... 2 Images in the Bible ...... 3 Who am I, and where do I fit in? Angela Elphick ...... 6 The Spring ...... 8 Inner Wheel Club of ...... 8 Children are welcome here ...... 8 Worship 9 Information & Regular Events ...... 11 Prayer Times ~ All Welcome ...... 12 Prayer in times of special need ...... 12 Focus for Prayer ...... 12 Humility comes before Honour I remember being at the Oval on the last day in 2005 when reclaimed the Ashes thanks to an epic innings by Kevin Pieterson. In future years many will recall where they were on 25th August when Ben Stokes saved at the Headingly test match through sheer guts, skill and determination, with the capable help of the bespectacled Jack Leach, just as Botham did in 1981, with the help of Graham Dilley. We love a good swashbuckling hero who saves the day, but a year ago Ben Stokes was in trouble having been involved in a brawl outside a Bristol night club. Sport has many stories of people turning their lives around, and been able to put their aggression into the acceptable channels of the gladiatorial contest which is sport. Sport like art can hold up a mirror to human nature, reflecting our true character. The grace shown in defeat by defeated captains is a good example. We would be well advised not to put Ben Stokes on a pedestal, as that is the last place where he would want to be. The other aspect of this spectacular result was the quiet but vital role played by Jack Leach. Cricket is a game of partnerships as well as individual heroics and team spirit. No-one can truly claim credit alone for any achievement. Who we are and what we do is built upon vital human relationships which sustain us through the ups and downs of

2 life. The quiet, behind the scenes, humble people are just as heroic in their own way as their more charismatic counterparts. Whilst admiring moments of individual brilliance, let’s also celebrate the work of partners and teams which underpin any personal achievement. Rupert Images in the Bible A new series on Images in the Bible begins with the lowly feet which carry us about our business. They can be a symbol of many things, hospitality, serving, being disciples, worshipping, sharing good news.

FEET Our feet are not the most prepossessing part of our anatomy. They can be misshapen like the feet of a rock climber or ballet dancer who have to squeeze their feet into tiny shoes to execute their skilful movement on point or on rock. They can also be beautiful like the feet of a new born baby with its tiny toes. Whatever they look like, feet are a vital part of who we are, and their loss can be hard to bear. Feet enable us to stand tall but they are also

3 an image of humility. They can bring harm or good. They can lead us astray or help us stick to the path. They can slip and stumble or they can keep us upright. They are symbols of worship, service and learning, where we find our proper place. In a land where sandalled feet became dusty and grimy very quickly, hospitality began with the washing of the guests feet.The angels who arrive at the oaks of Mamre are invited by Abraham: Let a little water be brought, and then you may all wash your feet and rest under this tree. Genesis 18:4 In Luke’s Gospel, there is a deep tenderness in Jesus receiving the ablutions of the woman in Luke’s Gospel: As she stood behind him at his feet weeping, she began to wet his feet with her tears. Then she wiped them with her hair, kissed them and poured perfume on them. Luke 7:38 He is criticised by his host for allowing her even to touch him, and he rebukes Simon for his own rudeness:Then he turned towards the woman and said to Simon, ‘Do you see this woman? I came into your house. You did not give me any water for my feet, but she wet my feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair. You did not put oil on my head, but she has poured perfume on my feet. Luke 7:44-6. Her beautiful act of kindness is met with loving forgiveness and affirmation. Just as he was willing to receive the service of hospitality, Jesus showed the disciples how to serve, by doing the unthinkable, washing their dirty feet. Peter’s reaction shows what an astonishing action this was: ‘No,’ said Peter, ‘you shall never wash my feet.’ John 13:8. Jesus makes it clear that receiving his ministrations is a vital part of belonging to his servant way of life: Jesus answered, ‘Unless I wash you, you have no part with me.’ We then have a humorous interlude when Peter exaggerates his need to have his whole body washed, and Jesus says don’t be ridiculous, it’s only your feet that need washing. Jesus concludes by making clear the significance of what he has done: Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. John 13:14 The disciples knew their place was to sit at Jesus’ feet, eager to learn from the Master. In allowing the healed man from Gerasa and Mary the sister of Martha to sit at his feet as disciples Jesus was inviting foreigners and women, who had previously been denied access to the teaching of Rabbis, to be included in his radical, subversive movement.

4 To have people at your feet was often a sign that you had power over them either to crush them or to lift them up and honour them. Jesus changed that mentality, and taught that anyone who wanted to lead or exercise any kind of power should first learn to be meek and humble.

To fall at the feet of someone was an act of supplication. In one story in Luke two desperate people fall at Jesus’ feet one to request healing, the other who has already been healed; Then a man named Jairus, a synagogue leader, came and fell at Jesus’ feet, pleading with him to come to his house, because his only daughter, a girl of about twelve, was dying. Jesus goes with him but on the way notices that power had gone out of him. Then the woman, seeing that she could not go unnoticed, came trembling and fell at his feet. In the presence of all the people, she told why she had touched him and how she had been instantly healed. Luke 8:41-42, 47. To fall at the feet of someone was also an act of obedience and worship. After his resurrection Jesus meets his disciples: ‘Greetings,’ he said. They came to him, clasped his feet and worshipped him. Matthew 28:9 Jesus then commissions them to go and make disciples of all peoples. Feet are seen as vital to our capacity to bear witness to the good news. Having your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. Ephesians 6:15 In his book Wishful Thinking, Frederick Buechner comments on the fact that it is the feet that are beautiful in Isaiah’s words: How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings. Isaiah 52:7

“Not how beautiful are the herald’s lips which proclaim the good tidings, or his eyes as he proclaims them, but how beautiful are the feet - the feet without which he could never have made it up into the mountains, without which the good tidings would never have been proclaimed at all. Generally speaking, if you want to know who you really are, as distinct from who you like to think you are, keep an eye on where your feet take you.” Rupert

5 Who am I, and where do I fit in? Angela Elphick When were you born and where? I was born in Bournemouth, back in the days of flower power. Do you have any interesting family memories? Too many. We had a bit of a crazy life, moving from one place or country to another because of my Dad’s work as a Pentecostal minister. Who influenced you most in your life? My parents have had a huge impact on my life. They are both Christians and have served God in amazing ways all their adult lives. They have shown me that living for Jesus is an incredible adventure. How did you come to faith? I was only 7 when I first gave my life to Jesus, a very simple “yes” to God. But when I was in my teens, about 14 years old, I had an unforgettable encounter with the Holy Spirit and it was then that I asked God to use me in ministry wherever, however and whenever he chose. Since then it has been an amazing journey through which God has continued to change me and to form me into his image. It’s not been easy and it has taken some tough experiences to get me where I am today, but I know that God has been and continues to be with me through every moment of my life. I cannot imagine life without God by my side. How do you occupy your time? I work full-time as a nurse in the Endoscopy Department at Hospital. My job is demanding and working in the NHS is often challenging but I am passionate about what I do and the difference I hopefully make to people’s lives. A lot of my spare time is taken up with keeping tabs on my parents and our grown-up children. I like to get out walking, motorcycling,

6 cycling (I confess to having an e-bike!) and generally being outdoors (but not gardening!). What recent experience of God stands out? The move to St. Helen’s. I love the statement “God is always doing something”, and when I came on placement to St. Helen’s in January of this year, I had no idea how busy God was behind the scenes. It has been amazing to see how God has opened and closed doors, how events have led Richard and myself to take the step of faith and how God is blessing us in this decision. God certainly knows the desires of my heart but I still need to learn that things happen in his timing and in his way, not mine (not easy for someone who likes to be in control!). If there was one thing you would change in the world what would it be and why? Working full time hours in winter – we should be allowed to hibernate! On a more serious note, I find the global distribution of wealth, or rather lack of distribution, very disturbing. How can some people, some countries, have so much and others have little or nothing? I think this is a huge injustice which I find personally challenging. Where and how can I start to make a difference? Share something you get excited about in your life? Worshipping God and travelling. This year we spent three weeks travelling through France, Spain, Switzerland and Germany by motorbike. We saw amazing places and met such a variety of interesting people from all walks of life. We felt very privileged. What is your favourite film, play, work of art, piece of music, band, book or all six? Pride and Prejudice – a warning of the damage that preconceived ideas and beliefs can cause. And, it has a happy ending! I enjoy theatre, particularly musicals. We try to get to the West End once a year to see a show and combine it with Christmas shopping. Best musical I’ve ever seen was “Billy Elliot” or maybe “Sweeney Todd”. They are all amazing!! Who would you like to spend time with? Myself! It’s very difficult to find downtime to relax and reflect. I enjoy driving so that I can switch off from all the noise around me and try to find some solitude. I admit that it’s in the car or when I’m walking that I talk most to God. And he tends to answer in the middle of the night!! We’re working on that!

7 The Spring Transforming Lives for Good We, The Spring and the Parish have entered into a partnership with TLG - Transforming Lives for Good, aimed at alleviating the nightmares of Holiday Hunger for Children. Following our initial training in September, we will be running our first Make Lunch Club in October Half Term at the newly refurbished Portobello Community Centre or "Your Space" by which it will be known. The Make Lunch Club run by volunteers will be nourished food wise by The Spring and will be welcoming Children and potentially their families following referrals from Primary School. Our aim is that no child should have to go hungry in the School Holidays. We would really value your prayers for this new initiative as we trial it, refine it and roll it out across all school holidays. If you want to find out more then we will be hosting a TLG Make Lunch Speaker on Sunday 22nd September as part of our Sunday worship at 9.15 and 10.45am. Please do put the date in your diary and see how we can all transform lives for good. Dates for your Diary 27th Sept - Macmillan Coffee Morning 19th Oct - Stand Up to Cancer Bake Off 24th Oct - Fashion Show 15th Nov - Tearfund’s Big Quiz 10th Dec - Christmas Lunches begin - Booking essential Inner Wheel Club of Wakefield 7th October, 7pm, a talk by Karen Wright from Bake Off. Sandal Methodist Church Hall, Barnsley Road. Tickets £3 incl. Tea and cake. Tel Olivia 07971 762299. Children are welcome here At St Helen’s we welcome children and families to learn and grow together with Jesus. We learn through fun experiences and worship every Sunday. 10.45am Worship, 1st, 3rd 4th Sunday with children groups Scramblers & Climbers - 0-4 years with an adult. Explorers - 5-7 years Adventurers - 8-10 years, Pathfinders - Secondary School

8 4pm Families@4, every 2nd Sunday A time for young families to share and have creative worship together. We start with tea and cake followed by worship. Together we make crafts, listen to stories, sing, dance and have fun. This where we especially welcome Baptism families to enjoy being a family together in their parish church. Worship 15 Sept Theme Parables of Luke 9.15am Holy Communion St Helen's 10.45am Morning Praise St Helen's 11am Holy Communion St Paul’s 6pm Soul Space Quiet Hour St Paul’s 22 Sept Theme Transforming Lives Together 9.15am Morning Prayer St Helen's 10.45am Family Communion St Helen's 11am Morning Praise St Paul’s 29 Sept Theme Harvest Festival 11am Joint Parish Holy Communion St Helen’s 6 Oct Theme Paul’s 2nd Letter to the Corinthians 1 9.15am Holy Communion St Helen's 10.45am Morning Praise St Helen’s St Paul’s meets at the Methodist Methodist 11am Church Church 6pm Contemplative Prayer St Paul’s 13 Oct Theme Paul’s 2nd Letter to the Corinthians 2 9.15am Holy Communion St Helen's 10.45am Café Church The Spring 11am Holy Communion St Paul’s 4pm Families@4 St Helen’s

9 20 Oct Theme Paul’s 2nd Letter to the Corinthians 3 9.15am Holy Communion St Helen’s 10.45am Morning Praise St Helen’s 11am Holy Communion St Paul’s 6pm Soul Space Quiet Hour St Paul’s 27 Oct Theme Paul’s 2nd Letter to the Corinthians 4 9.15am Morning Prayer St Helen’s 10.45am Holy Communion St Helen’s 11am Morning Praise St Paul’s 4pm Memorial Service St Helen’s 3 Nov Theme Paul’s 2nd Letter to the Corinthians 5 9.15am Holy Communion St Helen’s 10.45am Morning Praise St Helen’s 11am Holy Communion St Paul’s 6pm Contemplative Prayer St Paul’s 10 Nov Theme Remembrance 9.15am Holy Communion St Helen’s 10.45am Café Church The Spring 10.45am Ceremony at Walton War Memorial 11am Morning Praise with the Methodists St Paul’s 4pm Families@4 St Helen’s

Provision for Children on Sunday St. Helen’s Children and young people are welcome to our services. Creche and Groups 1st, 3rd & 4th Sundays during the 10.45am service; on 2nd Sunday we have Families@4pm for children & parents, with tea, sandwiches, cake and creative worship.

St. Paul’s welcomes children with a Kids’ Corner during services

Youth Group, Secondary School Children, contact Liz Rowe 250636.

10 Information & Regular Events Room Hire Contact the Parish Office 259966 for bookings of: The Barnabas Rooms, St. Paul’s, Walton, WF2 6JU The Emmaus Rooms,St. Helen’s, Sandal, WF2 6EJ. Bell-ringing Practice night Wednesdays at 7.30pm at the Parish Church. Contact Margot Cutt on 01924 255918. Boogie-Woogie Thursdays - 9.15am, at St. Paul’s. Contact: 0 - 5 Toddler Group years Co-ordinator),Marisa Kapp Tel. 07717885682. (term time only) Email. [email protected]. Choir Practice Fridays 7.30pm before 2nd & 4th Sunday in the month. Contact Andrea North 01924 251646. The Spring - Cafe Open from Tuesday-Friday 10am-4pm and & Shop Saturday 10am-2pm. 299 Barnsley Road. 242593 Groups Want to join a Group? Please contact Rupert & Sally Martin, 255441. St Paul’s with St Paul’s 7.30pm in The Barnabas Rooms, Walton St Helen’s on the 3rd Monday of each month. Contact Rose Mothers’ Union Lee on 01924 250829 Open Doors Tuesdays 10-11.30am. At Walton Methodist Church Shay Lane Walton. Join us for coffee & chat. Toddle-In Tuesdays - 9.15am at St. Helen’s Church, Sandal. Toddler Group Contact Denise Chivers on 01924 781196 Women’s Contact Judith Parkin 256045. 2nd Monday in the Fellowship month. 7.30pm St. Helen’s. 14 Oct. Sally Clamp, Hatches, Matches and Despatches. Parish Office Baptisms, Weddings, Funerals, & Room Lettings. St. Helen’s, Barnsley Road, Wakefield WF2 6EJ. Open Tues, Wed, and Thurs, 9am - 12 noon, or by appointment with Marisa Kapp. Tel. 01924 259966. Access is down the path through the green door. www.sandalmagna.com [email protected] SHYP (St. Helen’s Children’s Co-ordinator, Laura Truter Youth Project) Youth & Community Co-ordinator, Sally Martin Mobile: 07910558139. [email protected]

11 Office Business Please contact the Churchwardens: Craig Orr, on Sundays 250262; Brian Pratt, 240311; Andrea North, 251646 Pastoral Ministry For visits and Pastoral Care, point of contact: Margaret Walker. Tel.07799217904/01924 248513. Vicar Revd. Rupert Martin. Tel. 01924 255441.

Prayer Times ~ All Welcome Tuesday-Saturday at The Spring 9.45am -10.00am Wednesdays at St. Paul’s, Walton 9.00am - 9.30am Thursday Portobello Community Centre 10.30am - 11.00am Prayer in times of special need If anyone needs special prayer, please contact me on 07799217904 or 248513 and you will be included in the next Grapevine. If you know anyone who is in need of prayers for healing, and they would like to be included on this list, please contact me. Margaret Walker Focus for Prayer Please pray for: those in need of healing: Betty Richmond, Pat Manners, Trevor Thompson, Daniel Stead, Paul Morris, Alan Leading, Martin Porritt, John Cutt, Barry Lord, Renee Thorndike, Val and Tony Gilman, Jonathan le Couteur. those who have recently lost loved ones, especially the friends and family of: Ella Harrowell, Christine Hartley those recently baptised: Jonah William Fenton, Megan Nicole Silveria, Destiny Joanne Silveria, Jacob Joseph Silveria, Joy Alexandra Swaine, Leo Adam Sanderson

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